National University dominated both halves to trounce hard-lucked Far Eastern University, 91-64, in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
The Lady Bulldogs, improving to 2-0, wasted no time setting the tone in the first quarter, racing to a 19-7 lead with contributions from seven different players. Their early offensive surge gave them control of the game from the outset.
NU maintained its momentum after halftime, extending their 15-point lead to 23 in the third quarter.
Cielo Pagdulagan and Camille Clarin led the charge, helping the Lady Bulldogs build a commanding 60-37 advantage that proved insurmountable for the Lady Tamaraws.
“We always ask our team to improve daily—every practice, every game. I thought we did a great job today, particularly in our free throw shooting, assists, and ball management,” said NU head coach Aris Dimaunahan.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Indeed, the Lady Bulldogs shot an impressive 86.7 percent from the free-throw line, sinking 13-of-15 attempts—a marked improvement from their previous game, where they managed just 15-of-30. They also dished out 20 assists and committed only 11 turnovers, highlighting their efficient play.
FEU’s Congolese center Josee Kaputu made her season debut after serving a suspension in the previous game. However, her return was cut short when she injured her left knee at the 4:35 mark of the third quarter.
The injury occurred during a rebound battle when Jainaba Konateh accidentally fell onto the back of Kaputu’s knee, forcing the FEU big to exit the game. She did not return.
Clarin led the Lady Bulldogs with an all-around performance, tallying 18 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block.
Rookie standout Pagdulagan added 12 points, five rebounds, and two steals, while Angel Surada and Tin Cayabyab contributed 11 points each.
Despite FEU’s struggles, MJ Manguiat was a bright spot for the Lady Tamaraws, scoring 26 points on seven three-pointers.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Kaputu, before her early exit, managed eight points and 14 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to prevent FEU from dropping to 0-2.
Up next for NU is University of the Philippines at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Big Dome. Both teams split their head-to-head last season.
FEU will continue to search for its first win under new coach Raiza Palmera Dy against the University of the East earlier in the day at 11:30 a.m.
The Scores:
NU 91 – Clarin 18, Pagdulagan 12, Surada 11, Cayabyab 11, Canuto 7, Pingol 7, Fabruada 6, Solis 5, Konateh 5, Betanio 4, Ico 3, Alterado 2, Talas 0, Pring 0.
FEU 64 – Manguiat 26, Salvani 8, Kaputu 8, Pasilang 8, Lopez 7, Nagma 3, Libor 2, Dela Torre 1, Ong 1, Villanueva 0, Paras 0.
Quarterscores: 19-7, 36-21, 60-44, 91-64
